Fasting before breast augmentation surgery?

Thank you for your question. You need to be fasting at least 8 hours prior to surgery. Good luck on your surgery.

Congratulations on your upcoming breast surgery.  Fasting before having general anesthesia is recommended for patients to prevent nausea and vomiting after your procedure.  When your surgery is scheduled for the afternoon, I tell patients to fast for 8 hours prior to the procedure.  Good luck.

Hi Mrs NMH, I understand your concern. It is good to hear that you preparing well for your breast augmentation surgery. Typically, fasting should be done 8 hours before your scheduled surgery to prevent any aspiration of gastric contents when placed under general anesthesia. It is best that you discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon as he/she may have preferences and protocols to follow when it comes to pre-operative preparations. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It is very important that patients fast before a surgery,
especially under a general anaesthesia to avoid aspiration of stomach contents when
being placed under sedation. Most surgeons will request that patients not eat
or drink anything after midnight so this will ensure that you have a
full 8 hours of fasting time before receiving anaesthesia. Should a patient’s
surgical time move up within the surgical lineup due to unforeseen changes, it
would still be safe for the patient to proceed with surgery.

Generally speaking, patients should not eat or drink anything 8-12 hours prior to their surgical procedure. However, speak with your surgeon as he/she may have different protocol.Regards,

Hello Mrs NMH,

I appreciate your questions! Plastic surgeons have different pre-operative protocols, tailored to every patient’s needs, to prepare for surgery and achieve optimal results. As a general rule, regardless of the time your surgery is finally schedule, patients are instructed to not drink or eat anything after 7-8 hours before surgery (this includes chewing gum). Before that patients may be at risk for aspiration during general anesthesia. In other cases, you may have clear liquids (7-up, Gatorade, apple juice or water) up to 4 hours before surgery. A fasting state is required in order to receive sedation for surgery. The only exception is medication, which your surgeon will instruct you to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery. However, it is always best to consult with your plastic surgeon to discuss your specific needs and concerns. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz.      

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.Hello based on your question if your surgery is the next day the ideal is to start the fast the night before no matter what your surgery would be at noon.per protocol if you go at 12 a day you should have it hydrated.but my recommendation is that all these guidelines be consulted with your plastic surgeon before the procedure.

Anesthesiologists typically want a patient to have an empty stomach for at least 8 hours before surgery. Check with your surgeon's office to review their specific protocols prior to surgery.

The hospital or surgical facility where your surgery will be performed should do a pre-op phone call or visit with you. They should give you the stop time for both clear liquids and food, as these stop times sometimes differ. 

Mrs NMH.  Each doctor has their own protocol. If medical conditions require it,   you may be placed first or second, at which time fasting should begin at midnight. If the surgery is planned for very late in the day, they may allow you to have a very light breakfast very early in the morning. Discuss these options with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.